CuO–cotton nanocomposite: Formation, morphology, and antibacterial activity

Copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and subsequently deposited on the surface of cotton fabrics using ultrasound irradiation. Optimization of the process resulted in a homogeneous distribution of CuO nanocrystals, 15 nm in size, on the fabric surface. The antibacterial activities of the CuO–fabric composite were tested against Escherichia coli (Gram negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) cultures. A significant bactericidal effect, even in a 1% coated fabric (%wt.), was demonstrated.